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You see no suit-cases in the wild and wide.
Swags are the furniture of the bush, and neither man nor woman ventures out
without one. Slung over the pack pony, hanging from the camel, or thrown into
the back of the truck, with a quart-pot dangling from the strap, they stand for
house and home and life's achievement.
Ernestine Hill, "The Great Australian Loneliness" Melbourne 1940.
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In Australia, the traditional bedding for outdoor sleeping is the swag.
These days it's a good quality, foam mattress inside a canvas cover that
encloses both the bedding and sleeper. Traditionally blankets were used, but
sleeping-bags are more practical, when it's very cold. The swag is rolled and
fastened with straps. It's heavier and bulkier than a bivvy bag,
but it's more comfortable and durable and is perfect for car-camping
and other occasions when you don't have to carry it. In outback Australia's
harsh conditions the swag's durability comes into its own.
TIM McCARTNEY-SNAPE - World renowned climber & adventurer.
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